Tennis elbow is a fairly common condition in which you experience pain and discomfort when overused tendons in your elbow. This typically occurs due to repetitive motions that overwhelm the tendons. While it’s true that people who play tennis can experience tennis elbow, it can also impact anybody who experiences similar repetitive movements. Common professions that lead to tennis elbow include painters, butchers, or plumbers.
Managing symptoms
The good news is that tennis elbow can improve without any intervention or treatment. However, it may be a painful recovery. To speed up the process, you may want to implement a few suggestions. Here are a few things you may want to do when dealing with tennis elbow.
Perfect your tennis technique
If you are a tennis player or someone whose job has repetitive movement, then you may want to consider changing or perfecting your technique so that your tendons aren’t overloaded. Your doctor may suggest working with a physical therapist to learn proper form.
Rest
In the meantime, if you experience any pain in your elbow, it’s important to listen to your body and allow it to rest. Give your elbow a break and spend a few days allowing it to recover.
Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers can provide some much-needed relief. Common options may include Advil or Aleve. Speak with your doctor about which options are right for you.
Ice
Ice can help with pain and discomfort. Try applying a cold compress to the impacted area three or four times a day for up to fifteen minutes.
Surgery
If your condition worsens or doesn’t improve after several months, then your doctor may suggest surgery to remove damaged tissue.
Listen to your doctor
Living an active lifestyle is certainly not a bad thing. However, some activities may lead to some issues if you don’t have proper form. It’s important that you learn how to move your body properly to avoid serious conditions or further injury.
Each person is different, so it’s important that you listen to your doctor’s recommendation for how you should deal with tennis elbow. Listen to your body, and be sure to let your doctor know if your condition changes or gets worse over time.
